Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Aug 23, 2012 14:15:50 GMT -5
He puts his hand on her shoulder and whispers to her. "Emily, you know we need this. For you, Jake and I. Where is he anyways?" He hopes that he has convinced her. With living in the streets, it's really hard being one of the poorest families in the District. There are only the three of them and it really gets tough with Kingston being the only one that can work.
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Post by Seryna on Aug 30, 2012 14:48:54 GMT -5
"Jake? I don't know. I'm not the boss of Jake." Emily replied, contrary. "I can help you." She replies to the miller's daughter, for once being obedient.
"Oh good," The adult daughter of the miller says with relief. "- why don't you and your brother come with me. I'll show you the problem area."
"Are they really big rats?" Emily asked.
"They're troublesome." Was the reply. The two siblings were led to the miller's home where the first floor served as the bakery and the basement as the storage. The two were led down to the basement of the home. The basement was ill lit with a single lamp and smelled faintly of flour.
"We used to store every thing here." She leads you to a corner of the basement beneath a small window. "But the bags keep getting holes in them. We can't afford to lose the food. We sell or use all of it ourselves. Losing the food could mean people go hungry."
She looks to you and Emily. "Do you have any questions?"
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Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Aug 30, 2012 15:17:19 GMT -5
To Kingston's delight, Emily accepts the job. Though, what dissappoints him, is that she doesn't know where Jake is. She asked if the rats were really big and got the response of: "They're troublesome." They were led to the miller's home and down to the basement. She explained then what had happened to the bags, and asked if there were any questions. Kinston spoke up.
"Is there anything else you need help with?"
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Post by Seryna on Aug 30, 2012 15:24:11 GMT -5
"Not right now-" The miller's daughter began to answer when the miller- a tall, thin man- hurried down the stairs.
"We had better get to the square." He announced. "The district representative and the mayor are in the square." "In the middle of the games?" His daughter questions. "Yes! Hurry, Kingston, you and your sister better come hear this as well." "We can come back when you have time..." The miller's daughter offers as the four walk to the square.
The District Four representative stepped onto the stage. Over her shoulder, three television screens showed the drama brewing over the mountain, the forrest and the lake. The district representative, Lily, poufed her red streaked hair with her hands before clearing her throat for attention. She glances over the assembled citizens in the crowd before speaking.
"The President has announced that there will be a very special new event debuting this year." Lily announces. "The tributes reaped this year will be attending the Capital. Mayor, do you want to answer some questions about this?"
She gives the crowd a winning smile. "Are there any questions?"
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 30, 2012 15:45:36 GMT -5
Caspian Edlyn - Mayor
The man standing next to the District Four representative was in his late thirties, with curly, dirty blond hair and eyes the color of the ocean, blue-green with golden flecks. Gorgeous didn't even begin to cover it. He was tall, and lean, like most of the people from his district.
He smiled despite himself. His own child was just a year away from her first Reaping. And while he doubted she would be chosen, it still weighed heavily on his mind.
"I would be happy to answer any questions about this wondrous gift from the capitol."
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Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Aug 31, 2012 10:00:33 GMT -5
The girl answers that there is noting she needs help with at the moment. As soon as she says this her father, the tall, thin miller, comes down the stairs.
"We had better get to the square." He tells them. "The district representative and the mayor are in the square."
"In the middle of the games?" The girl asks.
"Yes! Hurry, Kingston, you and your sister better come hear this as well." He says, encouraging them all to follow him.
"We can come back when you have time..." The miller's daughter says as they all head to the square. When they reach the square, Kingston spots Jake and goes over to him, leading him back over to Emily and the miller, along with his daughter.
The District Four representitive along with the mayor, are both standing on the stage. If you look just behind them you can see multiple screens showing the action that is currently happening. The representive, Lily. has red streaked hair that she poufs with her hand. She looks around at those who have gathered and then speaks.
"The President has announced that there will be a very special new event debuting this year." Lily says to the citizens. "The tributes reaped this year will be attending the Capitol. Mayor, do you want to answer some questions about this?"
The mayor, a man far past gorgeous, speaks up. He smiled and said, "I would be happy to answer any questions about this wondrous gift from the capitol."
Lily then asks if there are any questions. Kingston can hear someone speak up from the crowd, shouting, "What the heck is special about it? They go to the Capitol every year." There are a few snickers that go across the gathered group of citizens.
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Post by Seryna on Aug 31, 2012 13:07:32 GMT -5
Lily gave the speaker a chilly glance. "The tributes reaped will be attending a Capital Feast for two weeks prior to the Hunger Games. I understand there will be special activities that will be televised across all of the districts, such as a tour of the #25th Arena once the #25th Hunger Games have concluded. Is something funny about that?"
The Peacekeepers near the speaker shift closer to the speaker.
"Perhaps now that I have elaborated," Lily gave a cold smile. "- you are more informed."
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Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Aug 31, 2012 13:59:54 GMT -5
Lily looks at the person who spoke with what seemed like a death glare on her face. "The tributes reaped will be attending a Capitol Feast for two weaks prior to the Hunger Games. I understand there will be special activities that will be televised across all of the districts, such as a tour of the #25th arena once the #25th Hunger Games have concluded. Is something funny about that?" She says.
The Peacekeepers raise their guard, most likely because of the person that had spoken up in the crowd. "Perhaps now that I have elaborated," she said with a smile "-you are more informed." Jake goes over to Kingston and tugs on his pantleg, pointing in the direction of one of the citizens that Kingston didn't recognize.
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Post by Seryna on Aug 31, 2012 14:42:51 GMT -5
"I wouldn't stare at whoever is upsetting the district representative." Margot advises Kingston, keeping her gaze directly at Lily. "Thats unusual. A two - week feast. I suppose the tributes will at least be healthier before this years games. " She states quietly. Margot bites her lip before stepping forward.
"What sort of activities will there be?" She asks the mayor and district representative.
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 31, 2012 21:01:41 GMT -5
Caspian Edlyn - Mayor
Caspian's face was a gorgeous mask as he looked out to the crowd. He smiled, his white teeth glistening as he did so.
"Excellent question. There will be a tour of the Arena of this year's Quarter Quell. Where two of our tributes bravely fought and died in the games. There will also be a tour of the Arena for the 26th Hunger Games, giving the tributes a chance to plan ahead and perhaps win, thus making our district proud."
The words tasted like sea water, just awful, almost as if he would vomit. However, to the outside world Caspian appeared positively pleased with himself.
"Then there shall be a parade for the the tributes, past and present, as well as their families. The Capitol has truly gifted us this year. I think the 26th Hunger Games may be our most exciting games yet."
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Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Sept 1, 2012 8:56:20 GMT -5
Kingston can hear murmurs in the crowd. What he heard excited him. If he got reaped, he could bring Jake and Emily. They are his family after all. They would even get a tour of the arena before going in. He was excited and frightened at the same time. If he got reaped and didn't survive the games, Jake and Emily would be left on their own. Kingston remained deep in thought.
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Post by Seryna on Sept 1, 2012 17:38:07 GMT -5
The citizens of District 4 were very excited by this news. People were hungry and the thought of a two week feast for two families was as good as winning the lottery. There was just the catch that someone had to lose one first. Pearl's family was given reassuring pats as they processed this news, concern open on their faces. Her little sister could be heard saying.
"I don't want to tour the Arena where Pearl and Lallek died. I don't want to!" Her father hushed her with a tight hug to his side, although he didn't look pleased.
Some people were glancing at Raya, who seemed to be the only one not having a reaction to this news.
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Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Sept 1, 2012 18:55:41 GMT -5
Kingston noticed the mixture of excitement and worry across the faces of the District citizens. Kingston sighed and Jake went over and tugged on his shirt. "I'm worried." The 4-year-old said to Kingston.
"I know." He said to him, running his fingers through the young boy's hair.
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Post by Seryna on Sept 1, 2012 21:41:46 GMT -5
"There's going to be a catch with the Capital." Margot whispers. "Two weeks of feasting for two families - at the expense of being paraded around and dolled up like a tribute. There's also the mention of 'festivities' - what do you think those could be?" Concern was etched onto her face.
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Kaplan
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Post by Kaplan on Sept 1, 2012 21:53:10 GMT -5
When Kingston was reminded of the festivities, and that there must be a catch, seeing as though it's the Capitol, he responds to Margot. "I'm not quite sure, but it worries me." He says.
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Post by Seryna on Sept 2, 2012 4:55:26 GMT -5
"It should." The woman sighed. The miller himself shared his daughter's sigh. "The quarter quell has been hard enough. 36 tributes taken this year..."
"But more than one comes home." The miller's daughter reminded him. "That won't happen again." The miller is quick to counter argue. He glanced towards Kingston. "What do you think about the Big Alliance's chances? Do you think that they'll all come home?"
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Sept 2, 2012 9:58:59 GMT -5
Caspian Edlyn - Mayor
Caspian glanced at the little girl when she had her outburst but his smile never wavered. "Please, citizens of our beloved District 4, this is a truly a blessing from the Capitol. A grand feast to thank the tributes and their families for this sacrifice. This a parade and finally two grand tours of two grand arenas."
His gaze fell on Pearl's father, and for a moment it look like he understood. However that moment was gone not before too long and Caspian was smiling once. He took a breath and the grin disappeared, his expression turning somber. "Pearl and Lallek fought bravely. Lallek as wise as ever. And Pearl pushing herself through danger. Both were more than anyone could ask of any tribute. And keep in mind we have one tribute left in this Quarter Quell. So keep watching. And may the odds be ever in our favor."
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 9, 2013 16:58:11 GMT -5
Riva Edlyn: District Four Citizen, “The Mayor’s Daughter”
They were returning Coral and Kingston to the water. It was a grand gesture. One not lost on her. And as she looked around to those watching, the meaning wasn’t lost on many of the people in District 4. Her brethren. Her father’s people. Her people.
Riva looked back at the screen. May the One bless them for their courage and their honor.
She touched the ring on her arm. The one given to all children one the day of their first reaping. It was a simple metal ring, given to them by the elders of their district to symbolize their bond to their people and to the sea. All rivers lead to the sea. The sea was home. It was life.
She prayed aloud when the District 12 tribute spoke their death song. She watched at some of the adults raised a glass as the boy from district 9 sung. It was their way of honoring district nine as they had honor district four.
There were cheers when Lacey spoke of Coral. Cheers of agreement. Her and Kingston were model warriors. True citizen of district four. They would the return to the sacred waters at peace. They had done all they could.
It wasn’t until Felix, the tribute from District Seven that silence befell the square. Everyone was watching the blind tribute. District Seven… their tributes certainly had a way with words. Poetic Lumberjacks… what an odd combination.
Still his words and his mentor’s gesture had touched them all. And when Riva looked around, she didn’t see sorrow in the eyes of her brethren but a call for vengeance. Felix Greyling had called them to Battle.
Something that District Four had always been good at.
Rain began to fall. A storm was coming.
“Coral Cliff and Kingston Anam, may the One bless you and keep you. May you be welcomed into the Sacred Waters as warriors and feast in the Halls of the Brave.”
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Post by Seryna on Mar 9, 2013 17:15:42 GMT -5
Emily, the sister of the previous fallen tribute, Pearl; steps up beside Riva. Beside her are her 'cousins', Jake and Emily. These young children are the only family Kingston leaves behind.
"Kingston," The little girl sobs, tightly hugged by Emily. Emily's face is a mask of grief, but she kisses the girl's forehead. She turns and hugs Jake just as sweetly.
Her teary eyes find Riva's and there's something burning there. Grief, surely. But theres a cold fire of anger. Anger she is smoldering within herself, not revealing it before these grieving children. Emily is barely thirteen; a child herself and struggling to mask her anger.
Mel, Emily's father, stands behind his daughter and settles a heavy, calloused hand on his daughter's shoulder. A reassuring squeeze that conveys love. He has lost a daughter to the Games so recently. Now Mel grieves for a nephew of affection and his eyes are red.
On Riva's other side, Coral's parents step forward. Between them they hold the hand of their surviving child, a boy of ten. They quietly intone the prayer, drawing strength from it. Coral's mother weeps nearly silently. Around Riva, people grieve. The white clad Peace Keepers seem uneasy, pacing as a nervous horse sensing disquiet in the air. A dozen Peacekeepers line the stage above your heads, watching the Mayor's daughter and the families around her. Flashes of white can be seen along the outskirts of the square, watching. Vigilant.
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Mar 9, 2013 17:15:59 GMT -5
Zale Sewell; District 4 Citizen: The Fortuneteller's Son[/u][/color]
Death.
He held up the Death Card. The Card of Endings.
Blue eyes raised to the screen, looking passed the card. Putting it back in the center of the deck and shuffling again. Death. The Death card was a symbol of Endings....
...And a symbol of New Beginnings.
Zale belonged to the Water. He had since he was small. Since the first time his father put a spear in his hands and began training him. Until he was being taught which plants he could eat. Which plants were good for medicine. How to tidy his own wounds and how to outrun and outswim other Tributes.
Because he knew what he'd be. From the time he was small, Zale knew what his fate was. The Cards told his mother. His father. HIs brother and sister.
They mourned him years ago. He was truly free.
His own bracelet hung heavy around his wrist. By now, most children took it off. Left it in a box. To Zale, it was a symbol. It was a statement of who he belonged to. That he belonged to District 4. That he belonged to The Sea.
That he truly belonged to The One.
District 12. District 9. District 8. District 7. District 5.
And they were honoring them. Giving them something that no one had ever dared in The Battle. He watched at those Final Nine gave District 4 a great honor, and knew that whoever won this thing, they would always be considered amongst the Honored Warriors. Not of the so-called Games...
...But of District 4.
Death. The Card of Beginnings and Endings.
Zale swallowed, and raised his fist in the air. The District 4 Salute. We will never be silent.
His fist was in the air, and as the rain fell, he tilted his head up. Let the water fall on his face. Let the rain cleanse him and took it as an approval, and he turned his head, eyes locking with Riva Edlyn.
"The One is In The Rain." He mouthed it to her. He knew she understood. No one else in District 4 quite got him the way she seemed to.
Endings. Beginnings.
Nothing worth doing would ever be easy.
The people who are making this world worse are not resting. How can I?
"Light up the Darkness."
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 9, 2013 17:41:08 GMT -5
Riva Edlyn: District Four Citizen, “The Mayor’s Daughter”
Forgive them for they know not what they do...
Riva's thoughts went to mercy for the Peacekeepers. She was the mayor's daughter, high-profile. And therefore it meant that she must know her place. Her father often stressed showing the same kind of restraint. But the sea water in her veins called her to action. Still the people that circle her group like sharks before a feeding frenzy should not be hated. The Godless often tried to struck down what they were afraid of.
She embraced Emily. “Kingston is at peace now. He's with the One. He's with Pearl.”
That was only solace she could take from this. Kingston was at rest and with his people. Coral too.
Still, upon seeing Emily's expression that stirred something within Riva herself. Emily was a child. Riva was 17. Next year would be her final reaping. She should be burdened by thoughts of war, of entering the battle, not this little girl four years her junior. The Capitol has stolen their innocence.
That only made the call to war that much louder.
Riva looked at Coral's family and their only child, a boy barely ten.
And slowly her fist raised high into the air.
She locked eyes with Zale, the son of the Fortune Teller. He had his mother's gift. She nodded.
“And we are made of the rain.” she mouthed back.
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Mar 16, 2013 19:13:57 GMT -5
Zale Sewell; District 4's Career Tribute for the 27th Annual Hunger Games: The Fortuneteller's Son
"Mother isn't here."
It was how he'd gotten goaded into a reading. His parents' little cabin on the beach only boasted one child now. Zale was the only one living at home, his brother and sister both with their own houses now. Their own families.
His sister told his parents last night she was going to have a child.
His mother's deck was gently pushed aside. Zale didn't touch it with his bare hands, instead folding the sheer scarf over the deck before he touched. She never touched his either.
The querent sat across from him, and Zale swallowed, shuffling through the deck. "A ten-card spread. Half of what my mother charges for that. Mother will bill you, I'm sure."
He wasn't sure what that was anyway. Zale didn't normally do readings, but everyone knew he had The Gift.
Zale lay the ten cards on the table in the Cross formation, his fingers trailing onto the worn paper of the things lovingly before he sat back, looking at the spread in front of him.
"This card..." He pointed to the one in the center. "The Five of Pentacles is a card of Insufficiency. It's a limitation that can not be avoided. This.." He pointed to the card laying over top and across it. "..is your challenge. Your obstacle. The King of Cups. A fatherly figure or a symbol of strength."
There's a long look to the person across the table, and Zale points to the cards as he reads them from here on out. "Subconsciously, you feel that either you or this person disregard the obligations they have, and that they endanger the one's around them through inaction, weakness of conviction, or rash actions.
"In the past, there was clarity of mind. Singular purpose and intent. Something has to have changed though, because now there is dissatisfaction and a fear of failure. Or...that's the way you feel, anyway.
Zale stopped at The Future card, swallowing. 'The Lovers'. Inverted.
"You're correct to feel this way. If the path you walk continues, there will truly be dissatisfaction and a sense of unfulfillment. These six cards...they are essentially telling you to trust your instincts. If you feel that there is something wrong, then something is wrong.
"Trust your feelings."
The four cards to the side are then looked over, and Zale points to the one closest to the querent. "You look to the past for good things. Nostalgia and past happiness. That's where you're living, right now.
"But right now, that happiness is being squandered and dissipated. Like water through a sieve. You were happy, and now you are not. There is a reason for it. Look to those around you. Who is it that is doing this to you. The Empress Inverted...
"...This person is closer to you than you think.
"You fear...silence. The obstacle is someone silencing you. You feel obstacles. Something blocks your path, and you must avoid it.
"Because if you don't..." Zale pointed at the card closest to himself. "...If you don't learn who it is that draining away your happiness, and who is trying to silence you, this feeling of powerlessness will only intensify until....
"...Until they are more than just feelings. Until these feelings are truth, and you are truly powerless to what is happening to you.
"And...a warning: It is someone very close to you. Within your circle of trust."
Zale looked across the table, seeming to see the Querent truly for the first time. "I'm sorry that it...wasn't better news."
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2013 15:57:09 GMT -5
A storm had rolled in, causing most of the people of the district to take cover. Rain pounded on the roof and laced down windowsills. A small blonde girl clothed in a white rain poncho stole out into the weather, departing the warmth of her hearth to trek to a little cabin on the beach. Amy knocked against Zale Sewell's door, drawing the hood of her poncho close to her face. If the door opened, Amy replied simply.
"..I've been filled with dread. Could I get a reading?"
Emotion shone in her eyes, fear, hope and seething anger swirled into a turmoil. An inner storm of her soul. She wore a hand woven rope necklace decorated with pretty shells collected from the beach that looked as though a child had crafted it. Perhaps Kingston's siblings, Amy's adopted 'cousins' who lived with her; enjoying Lallek's last gift.
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 20, 2013 14:34:30 GMT -5
She hadn’t come for his mother.
The signs had been very clear during the final battle of last year’s games.
Zale was to be her spirit guide.
It is known…
“Thank you…” Riva said, removing the hood from her woolen cloak. Her strawberry blond hair marked her as an Eldyn in District 4. Her watery blue-green eyes marked her as a child of the sea, a citizen of District 4.
Riva frowned. The fatherly figure was her father, who also happened to be the symbol of strength for the whole district 4, as he was the mayor, Caspian Eldyn.
It was like the One was speaking through Zale and Zale was reading her heart. Her father, Riva’s precious father had the spirit of a rebel. But the Dark Days had stolen a bit of his fire. And now for because he feared for his children did he play the Capitol’s games.
And he wanted to follow in her footsteps. It sickened Riva at the thought.
Riva met Zale’s gaze and nodded.
Riva smiled, placing both hands on Zale’s. “The storm clouds do not apologize for the rains, for the rains bring life. Nor should you apologize for your gifts. The One is in us all. In the good, in the bad. In life and in death…
“It is known.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Mar 21, 2013 19:50:28 GMT -5
Zale Sewell; The Fortuneteller's Son[/u][/color]
"It is known."
It was almost a mantra, repeated by many in District 4. Their way of speech tended to be quite a bit different than other places in Panem. It made Zale think that at one time their little piece of the world hadn't belonged to the Capitol. That they'd been a people as torrential and ruthless and soothing as the sea.
Something had changed that. Something had shackled them to this place. To this time.
Perhaps The One tested them, as The One tested everyone.
It was the only explanation Zale could find--that his heart would give him--for the plight of such a spiritual and warlike and rebellious a place as District 4.
"I wish the whispers in my ears were more hopeful. We stand on an edge, and we are colorless. Clear." Zale tugged at the band around his wrist, his hands still covered by Riva's. "What color is hope?"
He shook his head, and took a deep breath. Zale knew his place, and it wasn't as a beacon of hope. If he returned home next year, it would be covered in blood. His color would be red...
...Or it would be Black. Or the color of the pyre.
"Whatever color, I am not afraid. War is necessary. Death is necessary. Sad, but necessary." The storm raged outside, and Zale was just a little surprised to hear a knock on the door. The cards were gathered with a practiced ease, and he stood to answer the door, fingers idly shuffling the cards.
"Come in, Amy. Mother isn't here." Where was she? Unless she was with his father on the boat. It wouldn't surprise him. It also wouldn't be the first evening they were 'trapped' away from him due to a storm's rage.
"You are filled with dread." There was more than dread in Amy's eyes, and Zale offered her a place at the table. "Amy, this is Riva. Riva, this is Amy."
He shuffled some more. "You don't have to voice your concern if you don't want to, but I can't guarantee that you receive the peace of mind you seek.
"The One speaks through me, and sets before a path. It is up to you whether you follow it, and it is up to you if the future changes....and the future can always change.
"It is known."
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